Figate/Braid/Balerno Burn (Lower Reaches) Portobello to Firrhill 13.2 Km
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Figate/Braid/Balerno burn (lower reaches) Portobello to Firrhill 13.2 km The walk begins at Tumbles Leisure Centre on Portobello promenade where the Figgate Burn discharges into the Firth of Forth. With your back to the sea and the Leisure Centre to your right follow the Figgate Burn inland along Bridge St. passing Harry Lauder’'s Cottage on your right. On reaching Portobello High St. cross over and turn left. The Figgate Burn disappears here, as it is in a culvert beneath the main road. To re-join the river keep left along the High Street and turn right into Adelphi Place. Walk up Adelphi Place crossing over the river before bearing left and following a row of small cottages. A small bridge leads you back over the river into Rosefield Place. Soon go right to enter Rosefield Park. Follow the park’s right-hand boundary. At a small bridge cross back over the river towards the industrial estate. We have to walk around three and a half sides of the building ahead. First, bear right and follow alongside a fence to arrive at Baileyfield Crescent. Turn left along the tree-lined avenue towards the busy Harry Lauder Road. Do not cross. Instead turn left along the pavement to quickly reach a ramp which leads you over a sturdy bridge. When crossing look left to spy the onward route beneath a railway bridge. Once across, follow the pavement, to bear right along Baileyfield Rd and pass through the dark railway underpass. Once through enter Figgate Burn Public Park on your right. Follow the burn for to the far end of the Park, making use of the board walks to go around the pond. Half way through the park pass beneath Mountcastle Drive. After a further ½ km a path rises left to iron railings and the exit. Here turn left (back towards the sea, away from the river). After 100 paces, just before the shops, cross and take Duddingston Av. Keep straight, to the far end, to proceed left along the A1 towards London. Cross at the pedestrian island. Still heading out of town, reach the massive gateway into Duddingston Golf Course. Enter and follow the driveway, which crosses our river (now called the Braid Burn) as it meanders over its flood plain. The driveway heads towards the main house. A large notice points to the right of way, through shrubs, along the right hand edge of the house. On reaching Cavalry Rd. enter the playing fields ahead through a gap in the fence. Turn left and walk around the edge of the playing fields, keeping the scrubby trees on your left. Swing gently right and make for a raised mound with an impressive stand of statuesque, mature beech trees. Go over the top of the mound. Head straight on, towards the distant Pentland Hills. Drop down left, cross diagonally over more playing fields to reach a road bridge and low, white barrier. On gaining the roadway turn right. A short, pleasant stretch of river lies on our left. At the Duddingston Rd. entrance way turn left, and cross at the pedestrian lights. Beware, don’t follow the old railway path, nor the Forkenford access lane. Instead take the footpath that rises up (through fencing) towards the industrial units. This well-made path skirts the light industrial area to reach King’s Haugh. Keep ahead, and slightly right, to follow the Braid Burn (on your right) to Peffermill Rd. From here on the river’s flood plain is used by the University of Edinburgh playing fields and there is no access. We have to make a detour before re-joining the river in Inch Park. Turn left towards Craigmillar. Cross Peffermill Rd. at the pedestrian lights and continue towards the twin tower blocks. Immediately over the railway bridge turn right along the combined foot and cycle path, beside the railway. Continue ahead, and to the right, through to the Old Dalkeith Rd. The entrance to Inch Park is slightly to the right. Cross, enter the park and make for Cameron Toll Shopping Centre - first along roadway, then grass, finally through a narrow belt of trees to ‘pop out’ through a well- constructed gateway, in the boundary wall, into the Centre’s vast car parks. Exit Cameron Toll alongside the Braid Burn, by the Conan Doyle Medical Centre. A woodland path, surfaced by gravel, winds alongside the river to Gilmerton Rd. Cross at the pedestrian island to find a snicket through to Nether Liberton. On exiting the snicket, go left, and left again, to a cross a bridge and then walk up-stream, along Mid Liberton. Keep straight ahead to exit and turn left along the front of the retirement flats on Liberton Rd. Cross at the traffic lights to gain Blackford Glen Rd (diagonally opposite). Head due west for 2.5 kms first along the road, then through the Hermitage of Braid. There are toilets at the Hermitage House Visitor Centre. At the far end of the Hermitage we have to leave the stream for a short while. Turn right uphill to the cross roads. Go left along Braidburn Terrace. Cross at the traffic lights to enter Braidburn Valley Park. A short descent regains the river. Continue upstream (for 700m) to exit the park half-right. Cross Greenbank Av. to the far side of the burn. Turn right along a riverside path and flood protection works, with the river immediately to your right. Follow the burn. Cross once at Firrhill Dr.). Keep beside the burn all the way to Firrhill. At Colinton Mains Dr. do not cross the busy road, but turn right and in 100m reach the walk-end at the Tesco Superstore (restaurant and toilets within). Enlargement of route through Rosefield and Figgate Parks .